The success of Limerick hurling over the past number of years has been nothing short of immense. John Kiely's side have won four of the past five All-Ireland hurling titles and three on the bounce, but their story has been told many times across media outlets in Ireland.
One place which possibly hasn't been involved in or witnessed the hype around Limerick GAA is the United States, but now, that has changed.
The New York Times, possibly the best known and one of the most highly regarded newspapers in the world have focused their attention on one man, Nickie Quaid. The Limerick goalkeeper has been instrumental to the Treaty County's success over the past few years.
Now, the 33-year-old's story has been picked up by the colossal U.S outlet who have managed to explain the success of Limerick and Nicky Quaid, as well as giving an in-depth background into the sport for the American readers who are unfamiliar with the great game.
The New York Times tells the story of Nickie Quaid
The article highlights the long list of Quaids who have represented Limerick over the past 50 years, with a member of the family being present in the county team for every decade since the 70s.
Back in 2011, Nickie Quaid became the third member of his family to take the reigns between the sticks. Since then, he has undoubtedly established himself as the most decorated Quaid in terms of silverware won.
The New York Times helped tell the story of Limerick's luck when it came to winning All-Ireland glory by interviewing sportswriter Arthur James O'Dea (formerly of this parish) in his book “Limerick: A Biography in Nine Lives.”
Arthur James O'Dea said:
Even when the team was good, it contrived to lose in ways that were spectacular, almost ludicrous
They went to the finals five times after that win in ’73 and lost every time.
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In 2018, Limerick met Cork in the All-Ireland semifinal, the year they would eventually end a 45-year wait for All-Ireland glory.
With John Kiely's side level in the dying moments, Quaid was called into action to keep his side in the game, and in with a chance of bringing the Liam MacCarthy back to Limerick for the first time since 1973.
Cork forward Robbie O'Flynn squared the ball to Seamus Harnedy who looked destined to bury the ball into the Limerick net. Out of nowhere Nickie Quaid sprung in front of the sliotar to produce one of the best saves in Championship history.
A moment that will live long in the memory of Limerick fans and GAA fans in general for the rest of their lives.
Nicky Quaid's outstanding stop helped Limerick to a 3-32 to 2-31 win after extra-time.
Despite the huge moment receiving a lot of attention in the media after his side's win, and now being picked up on by the New York Times, the Limerick netminder remains modest as ever when questioned about the save.
Speaking to the New York Times, Quaid said:
It was just one little incident in a whole game.
It wasn’t anything that I dwelt on really or such like.
Since that heroic performance in 2018, it's safe to say that Quaid has established himself as one of the greats in the history of Limerick hurling. He has won two All-Stars and been a catalyst in everything that the county have achieved over the past few years.
Limerick and Nicky Quaid's story will likely help our national game gain well deserved, international recognition after being shared to the New York Times' millions of followers and we'd be surprised if this is the end of coverage on the game across the Atlantic.
You can read the New York Times' full article on Nicky Quaid and Limerick hurling here.
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